CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

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Become an Education Support Worker (Teacher Aide)

Our nationally recognised CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is delivered fully online, pairing self-paced study with dedicated trainer mentoring so you can learn whenever life allows while still feeling closely guided and encouraged.

Across the program you’ll develop practical strategies for literacy, numeracy, inclusion and positive-behaviour support, then apply them during a carefully supervised 100-hour school placement – building the confidence, compassion and classroom-readiness that both schools and young learners across Australia rely on.

Backed by 67 years of Suzan Johnston training excellence, you’ll graduate classroom-ready and poised to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people.

CAREER OUTCOMES

Why now is the perfect time to become an Education Support Worker

Education support is one of Australia’s fastest-growing fields. The nation already employs more than 136,000 Education/Teacher Aides, and Jobs & Skills Australia forecasts strong demand over the next decade as schools expand inclusive-education and one-to-one support programs.

With steady job growth, family-friendly hours that follow school terms, and clear pathways into further study, there has never been a better moment to step into this rewarding profession.

Where this qualification can take you

Our CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support prepares you with the practical skills and knowledge to work alongside teachers in a variety of educational settings, supporting students of all ages and abilities to achieve their full potential.

This nationally recognised Teacher Aide qualification can open the door to a range of rewarding and meaningful roles in government, Catholic and independent schools throughout Australia, with many education support roles offering part-time, school-friendly hours that suit family life.

Teacher Aide

Teacher Aide

Support classroom teachers by preparing learning resources, supervising students, assisting with classroom activities and helping create a positive learning environment.

Education Support Officer (ESO) / School Services Officer (SSO)

Education Support Officer (ESO) / School Services Officer (SSO)

Provide one-on-one and small group support, reinforce classroom learning, assist students with their studies and help monitor their progress.

Education Assistant

Education Assistant

Work alongside teachers to prepare learning materials, support classroom activities and encourage students to participate confidently in their learning.

Integration Aide / Learning Support Officer

Integration Aide / Learning Support Officer

Support students with disability, diverse learning needs or additional support requirements to participate fully in school life. Working alongside teachers and other education professionals, you’ll provide individual or small group support, promote confidence and independence, and help create an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

COURSE CONTENT

The CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support equips you to work side-by-side with teachers, nurture student learning and wellbeing, and help create safe, inclusive classrooms where every child and young adult can thrive.

Our carefully structured program ensures graduates are confident, multi-skilled and ready for a variety of roles across primary, secondary and specialist schools.

This nationally recognised qualification comprises 17 units of competency, delivered through a uniquely engaging, interactive and highly supportive approach.

 

Common Questions

Course Duration & Delivery Mode

DURATION (flexible, between 8 – 18 Months)

Set your own pace – finish the course as quickly or slowly as you like – and build in breaks whenever life gets busy. This ultra-flexible study mode is perfect for anyone balancing work and family commitments with study.

Study pace Typical completion time
Standard (average) 12 months
Fast-paced (highly motivated learners) 8 months
Flexible (learner is busy with other commitments) Up to 18 months

MODE OF STUDY

Online, self-paced supported by live trainer guidance and a mandatory practical placement.

How the program works

  • Learn on your schedule – move through interactive readings, videos, activities and assessments whenever it suits you.
  • Reach out anytime – you will have direct contact with your allocated trainer, along with the option to join live MS Teams help sessions for extra guidance.
  • Show what you can do – your trainer observes you on-site and via MS Teams to assess key practical competencies.
  • Complete 100 hours of placement – attend one day a week or in short blocks at a nearby primary, secondary or specialist school; we’ll help arrange the host.
  • Count your paid hours – if you’re already employed in an Education Support role, those shifts can be credited toward the placement requirement.

 

Course Fees, Government Funding & Enrolment Information

2026 STANDARD COURSE FEES 

For a short time, we will be offering this qualification at a hugely discounted price:

Was $6,000.00   Now $4,000.00

To make fees more manageable, we offer the following interest-free, pay-as-you-go, payment plan:

  • $400.00 deposit upon enrolment (this includes a booking fee plus payment for your first unit)
  • $240.00 per unit for each of the remaining 15 units (payable when you commence each new unit)

This flexible payment structure allows you to spread the cost of your studies over the duration of your course. Even better, we understand that life can get busy. That’s why you can pause both your studies and your payments at any time – whether you’re going on holiday, need a short break, or have other personal commitments. When you’re ready, simply pick up where you left off.

GOVERNMENT FUNDED TRAINING – FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Self-Funded Course Fee $4,000.00 payable in instalments
Government Funded Course Fee (with or without Concession) $450.00 (participant eligibility criteria apply)
Additional Charges & Incidental Fees First Aid Course ($110.00 approx) and  a Working with Children Check ($73.50)

South Australia Government

 

UPDATE ON VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDING (Skills First) – 2026

State budget cuts mean the Victorian Government will not fund new Skills First places with Suzan Johnston Australia in 2026. This policy shift affects many providers and is not related to our quality, compliance or student outcomes.

We remain fully accredited and committed to great training. To keep our courses accessible, we are:

  1. Offering self-funded places at reduced fees
  2. Providing flexible pay-as-you-go plans
  3. Advocating for the funding to be restored

Questions or need a payment plan? Contact our team – we’re here to help.

 

COURSE COMMENCEMENT DATES & ENROLMENT

Ready to get started?
With flexible commencement dates throughout the year, you won’t need to wait long to begin. Contact our friendly team for upcoming start dates, enrolment information or help checking your eligibility for South Australian Government funding. Call us on 03 9654 0999 or enquire online today.

Take the first step toward a rewarding education-support/teacher aide career – enquire today.

Units of Study

The CHC40225 Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support course includes a total of 17 Units of Competency, delivered through a uniquely engaging, interactive and highly supportive approach.

UNITS OF COMPETENCY – CHC40225 Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support

Core Units (13)

  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
  • CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
  • CHCEDS033 Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment
  • CHCEDS045 Support student mathematics learning
  • CHCEDS046 Support student literacy learning
  • CHCEDS047 Assist in facilitation of student learning
  • CHCEDS048 Work with students in need of additional learning support
  • CHCEDS051 Facilitate learning for students with disabilities
  • CHCEDS056 Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder
  • CHCEDS058 Support the implementation of behaviour plans
  • CHCEDS059 Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
  • CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk

Elective Units (4)

  • CHCDIS018 Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach
  • CHCEDS042 Provide support for e-learning
  • CHCEDS049 Supervise students outside the classroom
  • HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting

 

Practical Placement & the Learning Environment

PRACTICAL PLACEMENT

Real-world experience is at the heart of the CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

You’ll complete a minimum of 100 hours in an Australian primary, secondary or specialist school, turning theory into confident practice as you:

  • support students one-to-one and in small groups
  • assist teachers with positive-behaviour strategies
  • contribute to individual learning plans and inclusion programs
  • work alongside students with additional needs under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

This immersion builds the confidence, insight, and classroom-readiness schools expect.

How placement works

  • We’ll help arrange your placement – or if you’re already working in a school, your paid hours can count toward the 100-hour requirement.
  • Complete your hours in a way that suits you – one day a week or in short blocks – ideal for fitting around work or family commitments.
  • Ongoing trainer support through regular trainer check-ins, optional MS Teams sessions and workplace visits for assessment and mentoring.
  • Placement builds confidence, real-world classroom experience and valuable school connections; many students secure casual or ongoing roles during, or soon after, their placement.

YOUR TRAINERS & LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Learn from educators who live and breathe school support. Our trainers are former teachers, integration aides and learning-support leaders who bring years of classroom know-how – and a genuine passion for seeing every learner succeed.

  • Real-world insight – lessons are filled with strategies that work in actual classrooms, shared by professionals who have used them first-hand.
  • Personal mentoring – you’re paired with one dedicated trainer who tracks your progress, answers questions quickly and offers tailored feedback from enrolment to graduation.
  • Always within reach – email, phone or MS Teams: help is only a click away, whether you’re tackling an assessment or need a confidence boost.
  • Flexible extra support – book one-to-one online sessions whenever you’d like more practice or deeper explanations.
  • Career-ready focus – placement tips, interview preparation and job-readiness skills are woven into every module so you finish confident and employable.

Coupled with our self-paced online resources – videos, interactive activities and optional live workshops – this supportive approach creates a relaxed, engaging environment where you can build skills at your own pace while knowing an expert mentor is in your corner every step of the way.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our Accreditation & More Information

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION OF YOUR TRAINING

The Suzan Johnston Organization (Aust.) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Number 0170).

Suzan Johnston Australia is accredited with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). ASQA is the national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training sector. ASQA regulates courses and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met.

Suzan Johnston Australia is approved to deliver the Nationally Recognised CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

All registered training providers (RTOs) across Australia will automatically recognise the above education support/teacher aide qualifications issued by Suzan Johnston Australia through the process of national recognition.

Nationally Recognised TrainingAustralian Government Australian Skills Quality Authority

STUDENT & INDUSTRY FEEDBACK 2025

RTOs are required to collect and use data on quality indicators, which have been endorsed by the National Quality Council (NQC). The findings for 2025 for Suzan Johnston Australia are outlined in the report below:

Click Here for a copy of the Registering Body Report (2025 Learner Engagement & Employer Satisfaction)

SUZAN JOHNSTON POLICIES & STUDENT HANDBOOKS

Suzan Johnston Australia has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that people from a wide range of backgrounds have an opportunity to study with us. We provide opportunities for everyone to access and participate in learning and to achieve learning outcomes in a safe and positive learning environment. Policies and procedures not only outline the rights and responsibilities of students but also Suzan Johnston Australia’s responsibilities to students.

All our policies and procedures are detailed in our comprehensive Student Handbook.

VICTORIAN & OTHER STATES – STUDENT HANDBOOK – CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUDENT HANDBOOK – CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for government-funded training in 2026?

You must be an Australian or NZ citizen (or permanent resident) and live or work in South Australia. Unsure? Call us – eligibility checks take less than a minute.

What equipment do I need to study online?

A computer or laptop, reliable internet and (optionally) a headset for live MS Teams sessions. No paid software or textbooks required.

Will I need to buy textbooks?

No. All digital learning materials are included in your course fee.

Are there any additional course requirements and/or charges?

You will need to complete an external First Aid unit – budget about $110 if you don’t already hold a current certificate.

Before you commence placement you must hold:

Requirement Typical cost*
Working with Children Check (or state/territory equivalent) $73.50 approx
Foundations of Child Safety (GECCKO) Free
Responding to Harm, Abuse & Neglect (SA only – RRHAN) Free

* Prices are a guide only and may change.

Do I have to organise my own practical placement?

No. We arrange a 100-hour placement in a primary, secondary or specialist school close to your home (unless you already work in one). Your trainer stays in regular contact and visits – on-site or via MS Teams – to support and assess you.

I already work in a school – can my paid hours count?

Yes. If your role aligns with the course requirements, your paid shifts can be credited toward the 100-hour placement.

Are there exams?

There are no formal exams. Assessment is a mix of short online tasks, projects and trainer observations during placement.

What jobs can this qualification lead to?

Graduates typically work as:

  • Teacher Aide
  • Education Assistant
  • Education Support Officer (ESO)
  • School Services Officer (SSO)
  • Integration Aide/Inclusive Education Support
  • Learning Support Officer

Many students secure casual or ongoing roles during placement.

What is the difference between the Cert III and Cert IV in School Based Education Support?

Certificate III in School Based Education Support gives you the essential, entry-level skills for general classroom support, whereas Certificate IV in School Based Education Support goes further, adding specialised training in behaviour management, inclusive education and targeted support for students with disability, autism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Certificate IV reflects a higher level of responsibility. Education support workers at this level may work with limited direct supervision and may provide guidance to other workers.

If you’re interested in supporting students with diverse learning needs and developing more advanced education support skills, Certificate IV may be the preferred pathway.

 

Future pathways – can I become a teacher with this qualification?

This qualification may support future study goals, including further education or teacher-training pathways, depending on the higher education provider’s entry requirements. If you are considering a Bachelor of Education, we recommend checking admission requirements directly with your preferred university. The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support can also provide valuable classroom experience while undertaking further studies in teaching

Entry requirements

Before enrolment you’ll complete a short language, literacy & numeracy quiz and a friendly pre-training interview so we can tailor any extra support you might need.

How do I enrol?

If you would like to proceed with your enrolment in our CHC40225 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, please contact us on 03 9654 0999 so the relevant Online Enrolment Package can be forwarded to you.

Why choose Suzan Johnston Australia?

  • Trusted since 1959 – one of Australia’s longest-running private RTOs.
  • Nationally recognised qualification – meeting and exceeding AQF and industry standards.
  • Flexible, self-paced online learning – study anywhere, anytime; no fixed class schedule.
  • Outstanding trainer support – a dedicated mentor guides you from enrolment to graduation.
  • Student-centred approach – individual or small-group support sessions and personalised study plans.
  • Strong employment outcomes – graduates are classroom-ready and highly regarded by schools.

 


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Address: Level 27, 101 Collins Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia